Outstanding Ofsted hat-trick for Jigsaw

SUS-161210-104209001

Published:11:16Wednesday 12 October 2016

A school for children with autism has been rated ‘outstanding’ by Ofsted for a third time.

Jigsaw School, near Cranleigh, received top marks in all five categories – effectiveness of leadership and management, quality of teaching, learning and assessment, personal development, behaviour and welfare’, outcomes for pupils and sixth-form provision.

Headteacher Emma Hawkins described the rating as “extremely rewarding”.

A report by inspectors Elizabeth Farr and Hilary Macdonald was published on October 11.

Praising the “highly effective” teaching strategies in place at the school, the report stated: “Pupils make substantial and sustained progress over time including in social and verbal communication skills.

“Pupils are challenged with a comprehensive range of learning steps to master in English, mathematics and a range of other subjects including science, history and geography.

“Pupils experience a high level of success and the majority achieve the goals set for them.”

The children were seen to have “enormous confidence” in the adults that cared for them, which led to them develop independent skills and positive attitudes.

Emma Hawkins said: “I am extremely proud to lead a team of hardworking and dedicated staff and to have this re-affirmed by Ofsted once again is hugely rewarding.

“Our aim at Jigsaw is to provide every opportunity for pupils to reach their full potential in life and this can only be done with the commitment of the whole staff team.”

Chair of governors, Jo Russell, said: “I firmly believe that the pupils at Jigsaw deserve the very best education possible and that is exactly what the staff team at the school are able to provide them with.”

Jigsaw was set up in 1999 by a group of parents of children with autism.

Over the years it grew from supporting six children to accommodating up to 60 between the ages of 4 and 19 on its site in Dunsfold Park.

Make the right choice for you and your child - Visit educationsussex.com for trusted school reviews, videos and so much more.